Cam Ward made 23 saves for Carolina (35-27-14), which remained four points behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the East. The Bruins defeated the Dallas Stars 2-0.
WATCH: All Blue Jackets vs. Hurricanes highlights
The Hurricanes have a 13-game point streak (9-0-4), longest in their history.
"I just like seeing the growth among our team moving forward," said Hurricanes coach Bill Peters, who won his 100th NHL game. "We're getting a lot of questions answered. I like the growth individually in players and the maturity of our group and the willingness to do it right. You learn how to win, and that's what it's all about this time of year."
The game-winner was Hanifin's first in 154 NHL games. His fourth goal of the season gave him eight in the NHL.
"It was in a good spot, right in the middle of the slot," the 20-year-old defenseman said. "It was a rebound, so the goalie was coming out. I was shooting as hard as I could, hoping he wouldn't see it."
Columbus (49-20-7) moved four points behind the Washington Capitals for first place in the Metropolitan Division, Eastern Conference and NHL. The Blue Jackets have scored one goal in three of the past four games.